Trader Tales: Heavenly Homewares with Carafe

Ahead of our much-anticipated 2016 re-launch on Saturday 5th March, we’re starting a brand new series of ‘Trader Tales’ – where you can find out more about the creative and pioneering entrepreneurs on our small but perfectly formed Manchester market.

We’ll be finding out how their businesses started, from the initial spark of an idea to a fully-fledged stall, and how their unique products are made. Also on the agenda is what makes Levenshulme so special as a trading venue, and each trader’s experiences meeting all of you lovely lot at the market every Saturday. You never know, you may discover some inspiration to start up a market stall business yourself!

First up is Levenshulme Market favourite Jennie Gibson, with her homewares stall Carafe. The Carafe stall is a big draw at the market due to its carefully curated and always beautifully presented collection of vintage finds and brand new homeware items. You’ll find on-trend chunky knits, stunning ceramics and elegant glassware, as well as prints, statement pieces and lots of other lovely vintage bits.

Jennie, a Levenshulme resident and regular trader at Levenshulme and Altrincham Market, tells us how her business started and how it has evolved over the years:

“Having moved to Levy in 2012, I was so inspired by the other local residents trading that I decided to take my passion for vintage treasures and turn it into a business. Without the market I might not have had the confidence to give it a go. In the past 2 years of trading I have added hand knitted blankets and accessories to the stall, all prompted by a request from a customer at the market. I even get brought knitting needles that local Levy people have found in their attics!”

As for what it’s actually like to brave the elements and trade every week, Jennie has some warm words about the unique vibe of the market. You have to be there to feel it! She explains:

“I love the atmosphere of the market and always have such a fantastic day when I trade. I’ve become good pals with quite a few of the other traders, it’s like working with loads of lovely people without the office politics!”

You can find Carafe at Levenshulme Market every month, keep an eye on the trader lists posted each Sunday for details of trading dates. You can also visit http://www.carafe.bigcartel.com/ and follow @Carafe_Homeware on Twitter.